First I just want to say that reading this book really makes me want to read the first book that I haven't had time to read. Not that it was hard to read Days of Sun and Glory without having read In the Shadow of the Storm, but I'm curious, I have read so much in these two books about how Kit and Adam met that I want to get the whole story. Also, for some reason, did I a couple of times during the progress of this book think that I should re-watch (or re-read) Ivanhoe as well...

Under the Approaching Dark is a fascinating book. I was quite captivated by the story. I, to be honest, didn't know much about this time period before I started to read this series. That's one thing that I like about the book. It's entertaining, and at the same time do I learn more about England during the 1400-century. Personally, the only thing I had a hard time with were the battles in the book, but that is more about my taste than anything wrong with the book. Like the rest of the book are the battles well-written, I just have a hard time being interested in reading about England fighting the Scots (especially since I feel sorry for the Scots). But, thankfully, it's just a small part of the book.c

Adam and Kit have a lot of things to deal with in this book. The loss of their son in the previous book has taken them hard, especially since the boy died when they were away and they never got to see his body. Thankfully they have each other and their love is strong. But, the world is changing around them and Adam has his duty to be at the king's side whenever he calls and Kit can not always be by Adams side. and, there is an enemy out there who wants to strike them down.

And England has a new young king after Edward II is forced to abdicate. One who has yet grown into his role. It's his mother Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who actually do the most of the governing. However, Edward is growing up, and one day the boy will be a man and a true king. What will happen with Isabella, and Roger Mortimer when the day comes? Personally, I found it's interesting that one of the most poignant scenes in this book is about Edward II. I never thought I would really like him, he was not a strong king. But, if he had been spared being king, I wonder if he had not been a much happier man.

Under the Approaching Dark is just as Days of Sun and Glory well-written and well-researched. Reading this book made me want to know more about this era. I was fascinated to learn more about the monarchy in England and France and I can't wait to read the next book! ( )

First I just want to say that reading this book really makes me want to read the first book that I haven't had time to read. Not that it was hard to read Days of Sun and Glory without having read In the Shadow of the Storm, but I'm curious, I have read so much in these two books about how Kit and Adam met that I want to get the whole story. Also, for some reason, did I a couple of times during the progress of this book think that I should re-watch (or re-read) Ivanhoe as well...

Under the Approaching Dark is a fascinating book. I was quite captivated by the story. I, to be honest, didn't know much about this time period before I started to read this series. That's one thing that I like about the book. It's entertaining, and at the same time do I learn more about England during the 1400-century. Personally, the only thing I had a hard time with were the battles in the book, but that is more about my taste than anything wrong with the book. Like the rest of the book are the battles well-written, I just have a hard time being interested in reading about England fighting the Scots (especially since I feel sorry for the Scots). But, thankfully, it's just a small part of the book.c

Adam and Kit have a lot of things to deal with in this book. The loss of their son in the previous book has taken them hard, especially since the boy died when they were away and they never got to see his body. Thankfully they have each other and their love is strong. But, the world is changing around them and Adam has his duty to be at the king's side whenever he calls and Kit can not always be by Adams side. and, there is an enemy out there who wants to strike them down.

And England has a new young king after Edward II is forced to abdicate. One who has yet grown into his role. It's his mother Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who actually do the most of the governing. However, Edward is growing up, and one day the boy will be a man and a true king. What will happen with Isabella, and Roger Mortimer when the day comes? Personally, I found it's interesting that one of the most poignant scenes in this book is about Edward II. I never thought I would really like him, he was not a strong king. But, if he had been spared being king, I wonder if he had not been a much happier man.

Under the Approaching Dark is just as Days of Sun and Glory well-written and well-researched. Reading this book made me want to know more about this era. I was fascinated to learn more about the monarchy in England and France and I can't wait to read the next book! ( )

"Edward III was King of England from 25 January 1327 until his death; he is noted for his military success and for restoring royal authority after the disastrous and unorthodox reign of his father, Edward II. Edward III transformed the Kingdom of England into one of the most formidable military powers in Europe. His long reign of 50 years was the second longest in medieval England and saw vital developments in legislation and government—in particular, the evolution of the English parliament—as well as the ravages of the Black Death."

In Under the Approaching Dark, Edward III is a lad of just 14, too young to rule, or so his mother Isabella of France, and her lover Roger Mortimer say, so they rule for him. His father, King Edward II was deposed by Isabella and sent off into exile.

Adam de Guirande and his wife Kit are returning characters in this fictionalized account of England in 1327. There are numerous enemies of both the young King and Adam. With having to go back and forth from their home to court can take its toll on their marriage but they persevere. Through death and despair, the love they have for each other is tested by their loyalty and love for the young king.

Author Anna Belfrage always keeps me interested in whatever she writes. The history is well researched and her ability to blend fact and fiction, love and hate, always makes me eager to read another of her stories. I have read all of the books that Anna has written in this series and her previous series, The Graham Saga, a time travel romantic historical series.

If you enjoy a well-written historical fiction novel, then you can't go wrong with Under the Approaching Dark. Nice job Anna! ( )

Adam and Kit are still trying to come to terms with their son’s death in the previous book and it also brings some strains into their marriage. Tom died when they were away and they never saw the body so there is the possibility that he is alive and Kit clings into that believe. But despite the circumstances of the start of their marriage, they have grown to love each other and are able to move on from these hard times.

But Adam is finding it ever more difficult staying loyal to both the young King and Mortimer. Edward is growing more frustrated because his mother Queen Isabella and Mortimer are holding the real power but as Edward grows older it becomes clear that sooner or later there will be a confrontation since its less than likely that Mortimer will just hand over the power. In the end, who will Adam serve?

I love that Edward III is getting more scenes in this book. I thought it was well presented how he dealt with the death and stuff concerning his father Edward II. Some conflicting emotions there! I’m so glad that he’s marriage to Philippa starts off well and I like how she is portrayed.

I’m also really starting to like Thomas of Brotherton. There’s so little written about him and I love how big role he has in this. And it’s great for Adam to have such a friend.

Another great book from the author and I can’t wait for the next book! I want to see how it goes between Edward and Mortimer. ( )

I will open by noting that I was very excited to learn that this was not the last book in this series. I’ve come to enjoy my forays into the world of Adam de Guirande and his lady, Kit. They are deeply drawn characters that feel so real. In this chapter Adam is finally feeling some peace as his tormentor, Hugh Despenser is dead but he is also feeling a certain unease as to the manner of his death. It was not well done (read a particularly gruesome description here) and while Adam wanted him dead he didn’t want him dead like that. But now life goes on and all they have to worry about is the imprisoned Edward II. Nothing major….

As history rolls out the fictional Adam is seamlessly dropped into the unfolding events to protect his young lord, Edward III. As Edward grows from a teenager to a young man Adam is there to help guide him and teach him – much more than how to handle himself on the battlefield. This closeness between them leads to jealousies among certain members of the court who feel they are superior solely due to their birth. Adam does his best to stay out of the controversies that swirl all around the court but he is soon placed at the center of one murder attempt through no fault of his own and it almost costs him his life.

The history books tell us what happens to Edward II, Edward III, Isabella and Roger Mortimer with dry facts. Ms. Belfrage fleshes out that dry history with a fiction writer’s flourishes. She brings her readers into history with a writing style that makes them feel as if they are in the room with her characters – this is why I enjoy her books so much. There are very few authors I look forward to as I do her. When I enter into her world I feel as if I am dining at the table, riding madly across the field or just walking in a fragrant English garden. So grab one of her books and settle in – you will laugh, you will cry, you will cringe and you will turn the last page with a sense of loss. Loss because you won’t want to leave the characters and their world behind. ( )